Thief who broke into premises with tools 'played Glaswegian Cluedo'

Bernard McNair used bolt cutters, a screwdriver and a spanner during the spate of break-ins.

Bernard McNair, 31, broke into Govan shops using different tools in a bid to steal items and cash SNS Group

A thief who broke into various shops was described as playing a game of Glaswegian Cluedo.

Bernard McNair, 31, entered four premises in the city’s Govan between October 28 and November 4, 2020.

McNair used tools to gain entry into the stores to escape with his loot which were later found to contain his DNA.

Prosecutor Tanjeel Maleque told a jury in his closing speech: “It might read a bit like a game of Glaswegian Cluedo – the screwdriver in the Cash Convertors, the spanner in the corner shop and the bolt cutters at the dog groomers.”

McNair was found guilty by a jury at Glasgow Sheriff Court to four charges of breaking into commercial premises.

He earlier pled guilty to breaching his bail and intentionally obstructing police.

The court heard that McNair first struck at a Card Factory in Govan Shopping Centre.

The assistant store manager noticed that the bottom glass panel of the front door had been smashed.

An agreed evidence document stated: “A gingerbread plush teddy was missing valued at £19.99.

“The damage to the store was valued at £500.”

McNair then set his sights on a nearby Cash Convertors where the thief stole jewellery, watches and mobile phones.

The manager spotted a black and yellow screwdriver on the floor.

McNair caused £1,850 in damages to the store and stole £783.83.

A convenience store owner discovered his shop in Govan had been broken into on November 4.

The till was broken and the damage to the store was valued at £1,005 with £600 in missing cash and loss of stock of £200.

McNair had used a spanner to gain entry through the door which was found and later analysed.

A dog groomers was also raided by McNair who used bolt cutters to break in.

He caused £500 in damages to the shop and £42.91 was missing.

McNair also took £750 in tools as work was being done on the premises.

McNair told jurors that the tools belonged to his deceased dad which had sentimental value towards him.

Mr Maleque said: “He struggled to say the name of the tools and what they were and randomly named tools when asked.

“This man was compelled to keep the tools of his dead father but couldn’t tell you the date his father died.”

His footprints and DNA at all the premises were later analysed to produce a positive result for McNair.

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until later this month.

McNair was bailed in the meantime.

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